A cable can fit a port perfectly and still be wrong for the job. USB-C describes the connector; it is not a complete description of the cable’s charging or data capabilities.
Read the numbers separately
USB-IF’s cable guidance distinguishes power markings from data-rate markings. Its certification rules call for 60W or 240W markings on USB-C to USB-C cables, with appropriate data-rate markings for cable categories other than USB 2.0. A USB 2.0 cable can therefore carry a high power rating without becoming a high-speed storage cable. Sources: USB-IF cable guidance and cable logo requirements.
Certification also does not add capabilities to the devices at either end. A better cable cannot make a limited port support a feature the device lacks.
Match the cable to the task
For a charging setup, write down the device’s power requirement and the charger’s supported output before choosing a cable. For an external drive, start with the device and port’s transfer specifications. For a display or dock, check the manufacturer’s explicit video and compatibility requirements. These are separate checks even when every socket has the same shape.
A useful household habit is to label cables by their verified purpose once you have identified them. “Desk monitor,” “drive transfer,” and “phone charger” are often more helpful day to day than a drawer of identical-looking leads.
Do not infer a rating from the thickness of the cable, its price, or a photograph of its connector. Read the actual product specification and keep the model number available for troubleshooting. The objective is a compatible connection, not the biggest number on the package.